Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña Reveal Their Daily Ritual on the “Lioness” Set Before Cameras Roll (Exclusive)

Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña have cultivated a unique and collaborative partnership during their tenure on the Paramount+ series Lioness. As they take on the roles of CIA officials Caitlyn Meade and Joe McNamara, their personal bond has transformed their professional dynamic, enhancing the depth of their performances through a regular morning ritual before filming.

The pair explain that their day begins with a simple yet meaningful catch-up session before they dive into the demanding world of counterterrorism depicted in the show. Saldaña, 48, shares with PEOPLE how this ritual consists of a brief personal check-in every morning for about five to ten minutes. Following their chats, both actresses transition into hair and makeup, where they continue to discuss that day’s scenes and plan for upcoming moments that may require additional focus.

In instances where they need guidance or clarity on the script, both Kidman and Saldaña have developed an effective strategy to connect with the series’ creator and writer, Taylor Sheridan. “We tag-team finding out where Taylor is,” Saldaña notes, indicating that their collaboration extends beyond the set, deeply involving the creator to ensure that their portrayals align with his vision.

Kidman, who is 59 years old, reflects on her growing friendship with Saldaña and how it enriches their work. “I just love her,” she admits, highlighting Saldaña’s generous spirit and her enjoyable company. This sentiment underscores a deeper connection that transcends mere co-starring, creating a foundation of mutual support in their professional environment. Kidman emphasizes the importance of their relationship, saying, “the work is here, but then we have all this,” hinting at their shared experiences beyond acting.

Saldaña reciprocates the affection, expressing her admiration for Kidman not only as a talented actress but also as a devoted mother and friend. “Nicole plays all of those roles beautifully,” she says, visibly appreciating Kidman’s ability to balance her personal and professional life. “Everything about working with Nicole has been true joy,” she adds, encapsulating the warmth of their bond.

Their camaraderie is reflected in their characters, who, despite their disagreements, share a deep-seated trust. Saldaña plays Joe, a central figure in the CIA’s Lioness programme, with Kidman as her commanding officer, Caitlyn. The duo’s relationship, first nurtured in the makeup trailer during the series’ early days, has grown stronger as they discovered shared values, including dedication to their craft, family commitments, and even early bedtimes.

Reflecting on their ongoing connection, Saldaña and Kidman’s light-hearted exchanges during their morning meetings serve as an anchor amid the escalating pressures their characters face. Kidman describes Caitlyn as a character who is strategically wired for the intense demands of her role. She notes that Caitlyn’s training is so thorough that the idea of ‘cracking’ under pressure is almost foreign to her character. “She’s able to compartmentalize,” Kidman explains, suggesting that Caitlyn’s resilience is a core aspect of her identity.

The commitment that Caitlyn exhibits towards her work and nation is portrayed as a defining characteristic. Kidman elucidates that this sense of duty often means that personal and professional lives intertwine intensely. “If you want to have balance, don’t come to this job,” she warns, articulating Caitlyn’s unwavering dedication to her role in the agency.

As Lioness progresses through its third season, fans can expect to see more of the complex layers of these two women, both in their performances and their evolving friendship. The simultaneous release of new episodes every Sunday on Paramount+ promises to provide insights into the powerful narratives that underscore the series.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Kidman and Saldaña on Lioness illustrates the strength of relationships in artistic environments. Through shared experiences and mutual admiration, they have not only created compelling characters but also fostered a friendship that enriches their work and connects them both personally and professionally.